Myth vs Fact: Are Cats Really “Low-Maintenance”?

Cats are often thought of as independent, low-maintenance pets who only need veterinary care when something is clearly wrong. While cats are wonderfully self-sufficient in many ways, this belief can unintentionally delay important preventive care. In reality, cats are experts at hiding illness, and routine veterinary exams play a critical role in keeping them healthy throughout their lives.

Why Cats Hide Illness So Well.

In the wild, showing signs of weakness makes animals vulnerable. Even though our cats live safe, indoor lives, this instinct remains. Cats often continue eating, grooming, and behaving “normally” until the disease is quite advanced. Subtle changes like sleeping more, jumping less, mild weight loss, or changes in litter box habits are often the earliest signs of illness, and these can be easy to miss at home.

When Is a Cat Considered “Senior”?

Cats age faster than humans, especially after middle age.

• Adult: 1–6 years

• Mature: 7–10 years

• Senior: 11–14 years

• Geriatric: 15+ years

Many age-related conditions begin quietly as early as 7 years of age, which is why preventive care and screening become increasingly important long before a cat looks “old.”

Arthritis Is Very Common in Cats

Arthritis is often thought of as a “dog problem,” but studies show that over 60% of cats over 6 years old have radiographic evidence of arthritis, and this number increases significantly with age. Unlike dogs, cats rarely limp. Instead, arthritis may show up as decreased jumping, hesitation using stairs, stiffness after rest, reduced grooming, or behavioral changes such as irritability or hiding.

Early detection allows for lifestyle changes, pain management strategies, and supportive care that can greatly improve comfort and mobility.

The Importance of Annual (and Senior) Exams

A physical exam allows your veterinarian to detect changes that may not be obvious at home, such as weight loss, dental disease, joint pain, heart murmurs, thyroid changes, or abdominal abnormalities. For senior cats, exams are often recommended every 6 months, as conditions can progress more quickly with age.

Why Screening Blood Work Matters

Baseline and routine blood work help identify disease before symptoms appear. Common conditions detected through screening include kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, liver disease, and anemia. Early diagnosis often means more treatment options, better quality of life, and improved long-term outcomes.

Blood work also helps us establish what is “normal” for your individual cat, making future changes easier to detect.

Preventive Care Supports a Better Quality of Life

Regular checkups allow us to tailor care to your cat’s life stage, lifestyle, and individual needs. Preventive care is not about over-testing, it is about catching problems early, managing chronic conditions effectively, and helping your cat stay comfortable, active, and happy for as long as possible.

The Bottom Line

Cats are not low-maintenance, they are simply very good at hiding when something is wrong. Routine veterinary exams and screening are one of the most important ways you can support your cat’s long-term health and wellbeing.

If it has been over a year since your cat’s last exam, or if your cat is over 7 years old, now is a great time to book a wellness visit.